Buy a Fireplace Guide | The Very Best Gas Fires Compared CVO 2019-01-15T10:38:32+00:00

Buy a Fireplace Guide

“Don’t Rush in and Buy what Seems like a Bargain”

Fireplaces are an excellent way to improve the look of a room and can also add desirability and value to a property. When choosing a fireplace for your home there are a number of technical issues which need to be considered first:

Which source of energy will you use?

Natural Gas, LPG, Electric, Bio-ethanol or Wood? Each of these fuel types have different costs based on the energy they will provide (Kw of heat). Natural gas is the cheapest form of energy available per Kw of heat. This is a fact. To get the best possible benefit from this fuel you need to buy an energy efficient gas fire to go with it.

How much heat do you need?

This is a very important question that needs answering. All fireplaces (except imitation electric fires) have a flame and that means they will produce heat. When you make the flame larger or wider then there will be more heat generated. When buying a fireplace you have to consider how often you will use it and enjoy the warmth and atmosphere that it creates. If you buy a very large fireplace for a small room it may be impractical as it will generate too much heat meaning you never have it switched on.

What flue system will you use?

The flue system (or chimney) is used to take the products of combustion away from the fireplace. If you have a brick built chimney you may decide to keep it or change to a modern flue liner system. If you have no flue system in your home then you will need to consider a flueless gas fire, bio-ethanol fireplace, electric fireplace or a balanced flue gas fire. If you are considering a wood burning stove or fireplace then the chimney must be lined and as these fires produce a lot of soot the liner will need to be swept every 12 months adding extra costs after installation. The best way to get heat and save money is to use a gas fire.

What budget do you have?

Deciding a budget at the start will make the process of choosing a fireplace easier and less stressful. Installing fireplaces can involve lots of hidden costs but there are two costs to consider first – the cost of the actual the appliance and the cost of the installation. You can buy a cheap fire but it could cost you a fortune to install if the correct planning has not been done first. Each type of fireplace has differing installation requirements and costs associated with it. Most importantly, you need to consider that ultimately you will sit and look at the appliance and will not see the installation behind it. Too many people focus on buying a cheap gas fire or wood burning stove because all of the budget is going on installation. This means they have selected the wrong type of appliance. The appliance should always cost more than installation. Talk to our sales consultants or visit our fireplace showrooms to see the various styles of fireplace and the effects of installation costs on the final amount paid.

Efficiency?

Fireplaces have differing efficiency ratings based on the type of appliance. The fireplace type will decide if you will save money on your utility bills when using the heating appliance chosen. However this needs to be linked to a low cost fuel type like gas otherwise having an energy efficient appliance means nothing. Read our guide to energy efficiency.

Saving Money?

You can reduce your fuel bills and at the same time benefit from more heat in your room. Choosing the correct appliance for your home can lead to big reductions in your monthly bills. Read our guide to running costs.

Ventilation?

Some types of fireplace need to have room ventilation provided by an air vent to the outside air. Can your property be fitted with an air vent? Older houses that maybe had a coal fire when they were built may already have an air vent fitted however this should be upgraded to a modern vent that will not allow drafts. The myth is that an air vent causes drafts, not if you buy a quality vent.

The gas fire shown above is the FIRE RIVER this is an open flamed gas fire with a ribbon of flame. it will provide up to 7Kw of heat and is an example of the high quality fireplaces which we produce. Call for a Brochure and Price list, There are many fireplace styles, fireplace brands and outlets available. You can buy online, via a superstore, direct from a manufacturer or visit a local retail shop. Each route has different levels of cost involved and there are sometimes hidden costs involved. That cheap online bargain may end up costing you more than if you had bought from a fireplace shop. Careful consideration of all costs is required. Review our guide to the positive and negative aspects of different types of fireplace as it will give you a good idea of which route you need to follow based on your visual and budget needs. Here you will find a selection of guides that have been written to help with selecting and installing a fireplace in your home.

Various Guides to help you choose the best fireplace for your property.